Answered8 days ago

Is it a red flag if I don't stay 6 months each year on a 5-year soft DTV visa in Thailand?

soft DTV visa Thailand visa rules visa duration multiple entry visa expat living in Thailand visa limits

Khan ********

asked Nov 5, 2026

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If i get a 5 year soft dtv visa . But stay in thailand 1 year 3 months. Next year maybe 4 months. And 3rd year maybe 2 months. Is that a red flag? Will they stop me from entering because i do not stay in thailand at least  6 months every year on the soft dtv visa? Is it better and less expensive to get a multiple entry visa once a year for 5 years instead of a one time 5 year  soft Dtv visa ??

Answer summary

The discussion clarifies that not staying in Thailand for a minimum of 6 months per year on a 5-year soft DTV visa is not a red flag. Participants mention that the visa's purpose is not necessarily for full-time residency and as long as the traveler is exiting the country within the stipulated 180-day period, there shouldn't be any issues. Additionally, some participants suggest considering a multiple-entry visa for potential cost-saving and flexibility.

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Za *******

No, it’s not a problem, actually, the DTV was not even meant to stay full time in Thailand. They want you to come, spend all your money as quick as possible and go back home

7 days ago

Elías ********

@Za ******

right, because spending all the money only once is better than spending it continuously for 5 years and a half? 😉💸

4 days ago

Za *******

@Elías *******

it depends how much money we are talking about, many of the DTV holders living full time in Thailand are broke living on less than 1000$ month. As you can see in the numerous posts here in the group, even the 500k baht requirement represents a huge challenge. Most of them just borrow the money from somewhere only for the application and then come to Thailand broke

4 days ago

Elías ********

It depends on where you live. While USD 1,000 might not be enough just for paying rent in central Bangkok, in many places in other provinces you don't need more than USD 1,000 to live well. I live in a small coast city, not because I'm broke, but I moved to live by the beach from one of the biggest non coastal cities in the world. Also, you're confusing expenditure and assets. You can be rich and expend nothing in Thailand every month, or you can have a lower income and spend the 100% of it in Thailand every month.

4 days ago

Mike *******

You are not staying one year and 3 months. You are leaving every 180 days. How long you “stay” is irrelevant as long as you are leaving every 180 days. You will be subject to more questioning if you stay over 150 days though. So plan to travel nearby when you are here.

7 days ago

Henrik *****

Remember 180 day limit

Elías ********

what limit?

SwiftRasp*********

180 days then you have to leave

7 days ago

Gerry ********

@Elías *******

I do similar. I guess your 'what limit?' comment was presuming he meant there is an annual limit, which is obviously not correct. :-)

7 days ago

Elías ********

@Gerry *******

not for the sake of the visa, just live my life normally, which includes trips abroad (mostly home), sometimes for 4 days, sometimes for 1 month. I'd be doing those very same trips regardless of my visa type.

7 days ago

Gerry ********

@Elías *******

no border runs?

7 days ago

Elías ********

SwiftRaspberry2631 ??? I'm here since October 2024 🙄

7 days ago

Anonymous ******************

Not a problem don't listen to the fear mongering on here.

8 days ago